Xerox 1xx Owner's manual

Xerox Nuvera

®

Paper Guide

Xerox Nuvera 100/120/144 EA/MX Production Systems

Xerox Nuvera 200/288 EA/MX Perfecting Production Systems

Software Version 10.0

October 2009

701P49973

Xerox Nuvera®, FreeFlow® and DocuCard® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United

States and/or other countries. Changes are periodically made to this document. Technical

inaccuracies and typographic errors will be corrected in subsequent editions.

Document Version: 10.0 (October 2009).

Paper Guide iv

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -vi

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -vi

Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -vi

Related resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .-vii

1 Selecting stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Stock size and weight ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Recommended stocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

The Stock Library and Media Compatibility Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Stocks that should not be used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Ordering guidelines for paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Paper properties that affect xerographic images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Finish / Smoothness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Stock coating categories for Xerox Nuvera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Impurities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Opacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Shade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Electrical properties and image quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Paper properties that affect paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Moisture content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Grain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Determining grain direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Cut quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-12

In-house trimming and paper cutting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Surface strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Electrical properties and paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

2 Managing your paper supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Checking paper for defects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Handling paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Paper and moisture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Problems caused by moisture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Controlling moisture in paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Using storage bags for unused paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Weekend shutdown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Conditioning paper to the printing environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Loading paper into feeder trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Inserter hints and tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Stock names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Stock orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Paper handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

3 Tips by stock type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Special Considerations for MX Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Table of Contents Xerox Nuvera

v Paper Guide

Stock types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

4 About Xerox papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Xerox digital stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Accessing paper information online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

To order Xerox paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Worldwide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

For technical information about Xerox paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

A Converting paper weight from pounds to gsm . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Understanding basic size and basis weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Formula for converting paper weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Formula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Table for converting paper weights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

B Printing with tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Obtaining additional tab guide kits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Installing the tabs guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Media Optimization for Pre-Cut Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

Define stocks, program, and load feeder trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Printing on tabbed stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

For systems with a Multifunction Finisher (MFF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

For systems with DS3500 / DS5000 or BFM type finishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

C Managing the Feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Feeder procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Add stock to a tray directly from the Stock Library window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Copy stock attributes from one tray to another . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Load non-tab stock in a paper tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2

Load tab stock in a paper tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

Prevent a tray from feeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

View a list of paper trays and their settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3

Inserter procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

D Managing Finishers and Stackers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Finisher procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Stacker Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Unload stacker cart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

View stacker settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

E Managing the Stock Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-1

Define a new stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Delete a stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2

Edit stock attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2

F Glossary of Paper Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1

Paper Guide -vi

Introduction

This guide provides information for selecting, storing, and using paper in the Xerox Nuvera

family of products. Its goal is to help you optimize image quality, paper handling, and the

overall performance of the system.

The Xerox Nuvera family of products use a media selection model rather than a tray selection

model. There are several benefits to selecting the media such as higher productivity, less wasted

stock (especially important for specialty stock), and correct output media assurance. One

important factor of this model is to ensure that the stock properties are set correctly when the

paper trays are assigned. This will allow the system to function with optimal performance.

About this guide

This guide is intended for everyone involved with selecting, storing, or handling paper for the

Xerox Nuvera.

Typographical Conventions

This guide uses the following conventions:

• Press <Key> - Within procedures, the names of keys to be pressed are enclosed in angle

brackets. The name of the key should be as it appears on the customer’s keyboard. For

example, Press <Esc>.

• Select [option] - Within procedures, the term “select” can represent various methods of

launching a feature; the option to be selected is enclosed in square brackets.

– To open a drop-down menu, move the cursor to the menu name or to the drop-down

arrow and press the left mouse button once. For example, select [System].

– To choose a menu item, move the cursor to the item, press the left mouse button to

highlight the item, then release the left mouse button. For example, select [Logon].

– To choose an icon or row and open the associated window, move the cursor to the item

and double-click. For example, select [Paper Trays] on the Printer menu to open the

next level window.

Note

The statement “Open object” denotes the same action; that is, select [object] and double-

click.

– To perform a drag and drop select operation, move the cursor to the drag target and

press and hold the left mouse button. Move the cursor to the desired drop location and

release the left mouse button. For example, select [source] and drop it on [target].

Introduction Xerox Nuvera

-vii Paper Guide

• Select [option: option] - Multiple options are separated by a colon, with the name of the

drop-down menu appearing first, followed by the menu item name. For example, select

[System: Logon].

• bold - Within procedures, text and numbers that you type are shown in boldface. Type text

exactly as it appears (without the boldface).

• For example, type blue in the text field.

•Enter bold - Within procedures, the two-step process of typing data and pressing <Enter>.

For example, enter y.

• replace text - Variable information is lower case italicized text; replace the text with the

actual value. For example, type name in the text field.

• Document title - Document and chapter names are shown in italics. For example, the Xerox

Nuvera Paper Guide.

• In a Portable Document Format (PDF) file displayed on a workstation, blue text identifies a

link to other information in the file. Select the specified text to activate the link. For

example, refer toTypographical Conventions in this guide.

In a hard copy version of the PDF file, the link is printed as non-black text. Locate the

section title, table, etc. in your document.

Note

This blue header identifies notes. A note is a paragraph (separate from the body text)

containing related information that merits emphasis.

Related resources

• Online help on the system interface

• Xerox Nuvera Getting Started Guide online

• Xerox Nuvera User Guide and Training Aid CD or http://www.xerox.com

CAUTION

A caution indicates that damage or destruction to hardware, software, or your data could

occur if an operating or maintenance procedure, practice, or condition is not strictly observed.

WARNING

A warning indicates that an injury or loss of life may occur if an operating or maintenance

procedure, practice, or condition is not strictly observed.

Paper Guide 1-1

1

Selecting stock

There are many factors you must consider when selecting stocks for the Xerox Nuvera EA and

MX Systems. This chapter will help you choose stocks that will optimize image quality and paper

handling.

Stock size and weight ranges

The following table indicates the minimum and maximum paper sizes in inches and millimeters.

The 4-Tray feed module trays hold varying sizes of papers. Trays 1 and 2 can hold papers from

5.5 x 8.27 inches (140x210 mm) to 9.0 x 12.6 inches (228 x 320 mm). Trays 3 and 4 can hold

7.2 x 8.0 inches (183 x 203 mm) to 12.6 x 18.5 inches (320 x 470 mm).

The 2-Tray feed module tray can hold papers from 7.2 x 8.0 inches (183 x 203 mm) to 12.6 x

18.5 inches (320 x 470 mm).

Note

The Nuvera 200/288 2-Tray SFM is capable of feeding paper up to 19.33 inches (491 mm)

in process length.

The following table indicates the minimum and maximum paper weights in pounds and grams

per meter squared. The Xerox Nuvera expresses all paper weights in grams per meter squared

(gsm).

Refer to Appendix A, Converting paper weight from pounds to gsm, for paper weight conversion

information.

Measurement Minimum Maximum

Size in inches 5.5 x 8.27 12.6 x 18.5

Size in millimeters 140 x 210 320 x 470

Measurement Minimum Maximum

Weight in pounds 16 pound bond

40 pound uncoated offset

100 pound coated offset

80 pound cover

110 pound index

Weight in grams

per meter squared

56 gsm bond

56 gsm uncoated offset

140 gsm C2S coated

160 gsm C1S coated

220 gsm

Selecting stock Xerox Nuvera

1-2 Paper Guide

Recommended stocks

Stocks that are recommended for use with the Xerox Nuvera have been categorized as Best,

Better or Good.

A broad range of stocks has been tested on the Xerox Nuvera for image quality. The following

table defines image quality as Best, Better, and Good and lists general types of stock within

each category.

Image quality is greatly influenced by paper surface texture.

Performance

Category

Image Quality Stock Types

Best The best possible image quality for this

system. Very similar to offset print

quality.

• Cast coated / coated stocks

• Some highly calendared / very

smooth uncoated stocks

Better Image quality is slightly lower than

Best due to sheet topography (paper

finish).

• Most uncoated stocks

designed for laser and offset

printing

Good Adequate image quality due to sheet

topography.

• Uncoated stocks with rough

finishes (linen, wove, etc.)

• Specialty medias (paper

backed transparencies, etc.)

Xerox Nuvera Selecting stock

Paper Guide 1-3

The Stock Library and Media Compatibility Guide

The Stock Library contains the paper-related information that is maintained by the system

operator at the system interface.

Each stock in the Stock Library has a set of stock settings that describe the paper to the system.

The attributes allow you to print a job with multiple stocks. The Xerox Nuvera uses the attribute

information to make internal adjustments throughout the printer on a sheet-by-sheet basis.

In the Stock Library, the preloaded stocks contain the Xerox recommended settings for each

stock. If custom stocks are added to the Stock Library, the stock attribute information must be

accurate to prevent image quality and paper handling problems. When image quality and/or

paper handling problems occur, check the stock settings. You can check the paper packaging to

be sure the stock attributes are correct.

The operator assigns stocks from the Stock Library to individual paper trays, which makes the

stock information available to each system module (feeders, print engine, stackers). The

modules can then adjust their settings for optimum performance as needed.

The Media Compatibility Guide is a list of stocks that have been approved by Xerox for use with

the Xerox Nuvera.

Refer to the following web site for the PDF version of the Xerox Nuvera Media Compatibility

Guide:

http://www.xerox.com

Note

If you wish to run a stock that is not on the Media Compatibility Guide, test a small amount

before making a large purchase.

Selecting stock Xerox Nuvera

1-4 Paper Guide

Stocks that should not be used

The following stocks are not supported by the Xerox Nuvera.

The stocks in the following table should not be run on a Xerox Nuvera System.

Note

Some paper properties are not included in the supplier’s paper specifications. Order papers

with guaranteed performance from vendors with stringent quality assurance programs.

Vendors’ specifications should prohibit the use of talc and plasticizer.

CAUTION

Using materials that do not meet the specified requirements of the Xerox Nuvera Systems

may result in increased paper jams, poor image quality, excessive service calls, and printer

damage.

Stock Type

Possible Printer

Damage

Poor Performance

Highly conductive papers, such as foil-

backed papers

Possible electrical damage

to printer

Image quality defects

Films with melting points at or below

437°F (225°C)

Melting in the fuser

Papers with high moisture content Poor image quality and

unacceptable jam rate

Papers containing talc or plasticizer Poor image quality, poor

paper handling and printer

contamination

Preprinted sheets printed with non-laser

compatible inks or inks that are not

sufficiently cured (refer to section in

chapter 3)

Poor image quality, poor

paper handling and printer

contamination

Preprinted sheets that were dried with

offset drying powder

Poor image quality, poor

paper handling and printer

contamination

Windowed Stock Unacceptable jam rate

Window Clings Unacceptable jam rate

ID cards Unacceptable jam rate

Xerox Nuvera Selecting stock

Paper Guide 1-5

Ordering guidelines for paper

Follow these general guidelines when ordering paper:

• Check the following web site for the most recent list of papers that have been tested for use

with the Xerox Nuvera Systems: http://www.xerox.com

• Call Xerox Supplies for information about papers that are not on the Xerox Nuvera Media

Compatibility Guide.

– In the U.S., call 1-800-822-2200

– In Canada call1-800-668-0199

– In Europe, call the Xerox Supplies phone number for your country

• Order high quality papers to optimize print quality and productivity, and to minimize the

amount of paper waste.

• Test a small amount of a new paper in your Xerox Nuvera Systems before ordering a large

quantity.

• Order paper with guaranteed performance from vendors with stringent quality assurance

programs.

• Order papers that have been manufactured for xerographic / laser imaging. Paper mills now

offer a wide variety of papers that can be used with digital printers.

• Ensure your carefully selected papers are packaged properly. Ask your supplier to:

– Package reams in moisture-proof wrappers.

– Package folio sheets in strong, moisture-proof cartons with sealed lids.

– Reinforce paper stacks with chipboard on top and bottom to prevent damage during

shipping.

– Protect paper stacks with shrink wrapping, which must be applied carefully to prevent

bending the edges of the stack.

Selecting stock Xerox Nuvera

1-6 Paper Guide

Paper properties that affect xerographic

images

Choosing the right paper calls for a strong knowledge of paper characteristics and how they

relate to the specific print technology.

Your Xerox Nuvera uses dry ink, which is a very fine powder. The following paper properties

interact with the dry ink to determine the quality of images.

• Brightness

•Finish/Smoothness

• Formation

•Impurities

•Opacity

•Shade

• Electrical properties and image quality

Brightness

A paper’s ability to reflect light is called brightness. Brighter papers produce images with higher

contrast.

As a general rule, use brighter papers when printing documents with photographs, halftone

images, or complex graphics.

Note

Blue-white papers contain ultra-violet (UV) brighteners that break down over time when

exposed to UV light. As UV brighteners break down, the paper shade may change from

bright white to a warm white (yellow cast). UV light exists naturally indoors and outdoors.

Xerox Nuvera Selecting stock

Paper Guide 1-7

Finish / Smoothness

Finish is the smoothness or roughness of a paper’s surface. Paper is processed to have a specific

type of finish, ranging from very smooth to highly textured.

Finish can significantly impact image quality. If paper is too rough, light patches and graininess

appear in solid areas. Halftone images also appear grainy. Dry ink does not fuse properly to

extremely rough paper, which causes deletions where the ink rubs or flakes off.

Smooth and coated papers produce sharp images because they reflect light more directly than

rougher papers. Use smooth or coated papers for proper dry ink transfer, to ensure the best

density and image detail, and to increase the appearance of glossiness. Using a highly

calendered / very smooth paper is especially important when printing fine lines and detailed

images.

A solid black on a cast coated sheet appears as though it has been coated or varnished.

Stock coating categories for Xerox Nuvera

Coatings can be applied to papers to increase smoothness.

When coated media are entered into the Stock Library, the coating type must be set to gloss,

high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, or matte.

The following table provides descriptions of the coating types.

The gloss ranges in the previous table are measured at a 75 degree angle with the TAPPI test

method T 480. Gloss ranges are not rigidly fixed, which accounts for the slight overlap in values.

You can normally use the name or description of the finish, which is supplied by the

manufacturer, to determine the coating type. Paper mills may not be consistent in how they

describe stock coatings.

Stock Library

coating types

Common names / descriptions (supplied by the

paper manufacturer)

Gloss range (%

reflectance)

High gloss Cast, Chrome coated, C1S/C2S, cast coated, and any

other high gloss special process media

Gloss range = 80+

Gloss Gloss, Enamel, Art Gloss range = 50 to 80

Semi-gloss Dull, Silk Gloss range = 35 to 50

Satin Satin, Velvet Gloss range = 23 to 35

Matte Matte, Reply card Gloss range = 10 to 25

Selecting stock Xerox Nuvera

1-8 Paper Guide

Formation

Formation is the distribution of fibers in paper. Fibers should be distributed evenly throughout

the sheet. Although formation is not included in the manufacturer’s specifications, you can

check it by holding a sheet up to a light. If the sheet looks even throughout, it has good

formation. If you see uneven light and dark areas, formation is poor.

Good formation is especially important when documents include halftone images of

photographs or high ink coverage. Halftone images appear sharper on paper with good

formation. Solid images can appear uneven or spotty when printed on paper with poor

formation.

Impurities

Impurities in the papermaking process can leave tiny specks in some stocks. The specks can

appear as marks or spots in printed images, especially in high resolution images, fine type and

fine lines.

Impurities in recycled papers consist of inks and adhesives (from window envelopes, stick-on

notes, labels, etc.), which are difficult to remove during the recycling process. Use high quality

non-recycled papers when the best image quality is required.

Opacity

Opacity refers to the ability of a printed image to show through from the opposite side of a

sheet or from another sheet below it. Opacity increases as the weight of the sheet increases.

Fillers are also added to paper during the manufacturing process to increase opacity.

Opacity is measured according to how much light a sheet blocks and is expressed as a

percentage between 0 and 100. Most papers fall in the 80 to 90% range, however, an opacity

of 98% will prevent a printed image from showing through on the opposite side of the sheet.

Choose paper with high opacity when printing on both sides of the paper or when heavy dry ink

coverage will be applied.

Shade

Shade is the color of the paper. Paper shade may change the colors of printed images because

dry ink is applied in dot patterns that allow the paper shade to show through. The color of the

paper (white, pink, buff etc.) must be specified in the Xerox Nuvera Stock Library. When

choosing paper color remember that paper shades can vary significantly among brands.

Electrical properties and image quality

Resistivity is the resistance to direct current between the two sides of a sheet of paper. The

electrical properties of paper are important because a sheet must be able to attract dry ink

during the xerographic process.

If a stock’s resistivity is excessively high or low, the printed image may be too light and

deletions may occur.

Xerox Nuvera Selecting stock

Paper Guide 1-9

Paper properties that affect paper

handling

The following paper properties affect how well the Xerox Nuvera System runs. You can maximize

the productivity of your printer by choosing high quality papers and managing the moisture

content.

•Moisture content

•Grain

•Cut quality

•Surface strength

• Electrical properties and paper handling

Moisture content

Paper must be manufactured with the proper moisture content for printing.

Proper moisture level can be maintained by purchasing paper in moisture-proof packaging and

leaving it in its original packaging until you are ready to use it.

For more information, refer to the Ordering guidelines for paper and Electrical properties and

paper handling sections of this guide.

Selecting stock Xerox Nuvera

1-10 Paper Guide

Grain

During the paper making process, most of the paper fibers align parallel to each other. When

sheets are cut, they are either grain-long (fibers are parallel to the longer dimension of the

sheet) or grain-short (fibers are parallel to the shorter dimension of the sheet).

Grain is an important consideration when sheets will be folded. Xerox recommends using paper

that will allow you to fold with the grain. Folding printed sheets against the grain will cause

paper and paper coating to crack and reveal more of the paper color at the fold.

The grain direction may be specified on the paper packaging.

• Some manufacturers add the words “long” or “short” to the label to indicate paper grain.

• LG and SG are common abbreviations for long grain and short grain.

– In Europe, A3SG indicates A3 size paper with short grain.

– A4LG indicates A4 size paper with long grain.

• Most manufacturers in North America underline the paper dimension that corresponds to

the grain.

• It is also common in North America to write the grain dimension as the second of the two

dimensions (dimension x grain dimension).

Grain direction is also important when using lightweight and heavyweight papers. Load

lightweight papers into paper trays with the grain parallel to the front (outboard) edge of the

tray to increase stiffness. Load heavyweight papers with the grain parallel to the lead (left side)

edge of the tray so it will bend easier as it moves through the system. Load middleweight

papers with the grain in either direction. The weight ranges for the Xerox Nuvera Systems are

displayed in the following table.

Paper type Weight range in gsm

Normal (Light) weight 56 to 84 gsm uncoated bond

56 to 84 gsm uncoated offset

Medium weight 85 to 105 gsm uncoated

Heavy weight 106 to 220 gsm uncoated

140 to 220 gsm coated

Xerox Nuvera Selecting stock

Paper Guide 1-11

Determining grain direction

One way to determine the grain is to fold a sheet of paper lengthwise, then make a crosswise

fold. Cross-grain folds tend to be more rough and cracked as shown in the Fold with and against

grain figure.

Figure 1-1: Fold with and against grain

Another method you can use to determine the grain direction is to tear a sheet. Paper always

tears straighter with the grain. See the Tear with and against grain figure.

Figure 1-2: Tear with and against grain

You can also allow 4 inches (100 millimeters) of the short edge of a sheet and 4 inches (100

millimeters) of the long edge of a sheet hang over the edge of a table as seen in the Hangs

lower with grain figure. The sheet hangs lower (bends more) with the grain parallel to the table

edge.

Figure 1-3: Hangs lower with grain

Selecting stock Xerox Nuvera

1-12 Paper Guide

Cut quality

The accuracy of the sheet cutting process affects paper handling and image quality.

When paper is cut with a dull blade, edges stick together to form “edge welds,” which cause

paper jams and excess paper dust in the printer. Paper dust is also created when folio sheets are

cut from the roll. A good paper mill takes steps to remove dust from paper before wrapping it.

Loose fibers on the edges of cut sheets can lead to printer contamination and visible fibers

within printed images.

If the cut is not exactly square, skewing, jams, and stacking problems can occur. Image quality

defects also occur due to misregistration in the paper path.

Slight variations in sheet cut size can also cause sheet to sheet registration problems in bindery

operations.

In-house trimming and paper cutting

Xerox recommends the use of pre-cut paper in the Xerox Nuvera.

Note

If you must cut sheets before printing, an in-house maintenance program that ensures

knives are kept sharp and dust is removed with a vacuum or air system will be key in

achieving good results. Failure to do so could result in excessive downtime and service calls.

If a custom cut is required, it is recommended that you use a rotary slitter.

Xerox recommends trimming sheets after printing has been finalized to prevent the generation

of paper dust and printer contamination issues.

Surface strength

Fibers, additives, and coatings can rub off of sheets as they are pulled through drive rollers.

Papers with good surface strength shed fewer fibers and particles, which helps prevent the Xerox

Nuvera System from becoming contaminated over time. System contamination causes

jamming throughout the system, image quality problems, and fuser wraps (fuser agent

becomes contaminated).

Electrical properties and paper handling

Paper naturally resists electrical current, which can lead to static build-up between sheets. Static

can cause multifeeds, jams, and stacking problems.

To obtain proper resistivity, paper manufacturers add salt and other materials during the paper

manufacturing process. They also pack paper in moisture-proof packaging to maintain

resistivity.

For best performance, choose paper with low resistivity, and observe the storage guidelines in

Chapter 2, Managing your paper supply.

Paper Guide 2-1

2

Managing your

paper supply

Paper is a large investment in any printing operation. As with any other investment, managing

it well will ensure the greatest possible returns.

Managing your paper supply includes:

• Checking paper that is shipped to you for defects

• Handling and storing paper properly to prevent damage

• Controlling moisture in paper to optimize its performance in the printer

• Conditioning paper to the print room temperature before printing

• Using proper paper tray loading techniques

• Checking paper for defects

• Handling paper

• Paper and moisture

• Conditioning paper to the printing environment

• Loading paper into feeder trays

• Inserter hints and tips

The following guidelines will help you manage your paper supply and allow you to maximize:

• Productivity - Your Xerox Nuvera will run with fewer problems.

• Quality - Your finished product will look better.

• Profit - You will reduce the amount of paper waste.

Managing your paper supply Xerox Nuvera

2-2 Paper Guide

Checking paper for defects

Never attempt to use paper that is defective in any way. Check all paper that is shipped to you

for the following defects:

• Carton damage - Paper can become damaged if cartons are dropped, thrown, or struck with

a fork lift. Cartons can also become damaged from water. Damaged paper can cause

jams, even when the damage is not immediately visible.

• Open ream wrappers - Moisture-proof wrappers may open due to mishandling or defective

packaging. Paper that has gained or lost moisture can lead to paper handling and image

quality problems.

• Paper dust, dirt particles, bits of paper, wrapper glue, fillers, or other materials used in paper

production - Paper must be free of dirt and manufacturing by-products to run reliably and

produce good image quality.

• Edge welds (edges stuck together) - If edge welds are present, the paper was not cut

properly and will jam in the printer.

• Creased, wrinkled, torn, or folded sheets - Sheets must be intact and perfectly flat to run

reliably.

• Drilled paper that does not separate easily, or has paper plugs left in the holes - Drilled

paper must be drilled cleanly to run reliably in the system.

• Dust or chaff in perforated papers, or areas around perforations that are not flat -

Perforated papers should be free of paper dust and chaff (bits of paper), which can

contaminate the system. The bulge beneath the perforations should be flattened as much

as possible to avoid paper jams and image quality problems.

CAUTION

Return all defective paper to the supplier to prevent machine contamination, image quality

defects, jams and misfeeds.

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